Access Cummins Engine

Controllers without a Wiring

Harness
This page presents a method to extract data from an ECM without the
use of bench calibration harness. This method should only be used if all
other attemts to connect to the module fail. Other techniques include:
direct connection through the diaglostic link connector in the cab,
swapping the module to a surrogate platform, or use an OEM bench
calibration harness. The extraction method below will use the SAE J1939
protocol as opposed to the older J1708. The method shows how to
determine the electrical connections needed to extract the data from the
ECM without purchasing the Cummins bench calibration harnesses.
Specialty cables were made at a fraction of the cost of the Cummins
OEM cables. The procedure should also apply to other ECMs, but
extreme caution must be used to not accidentally corrupt or delete the
data. It is recommended to prtactice on an inconsequential module first.
Page last modified: 31 July 2011

Overview
1. Obtain Wiring Diagrams for the ECM.
a. Identify Battery Power (+)
b. Identify Battery Power (-)
c. Locate Pin for Key Switch Circuit
d. Determine J1939 High and Low pins
2. Connect the Data Link Adapter (DLA) to a breakout box.
3. Wire the breakout box to the ECM using cables with sockets on
one end and banana plugs on the other.
4. Connect the power to a reliable source.

Obtaining Wiring Diagrams

The module for this example is a Cummins CM870 from a Signature ISX
engine. Armed with just this knowledge, a Google search with the
phase, "Cummins CM870 wiring circuit diagram filetype:pdf" (without
quotes) produces to a link from
SuperMiller: http://supermiller.com/pdf/p94-6002.pdf that gives a PDF
of the schematic for a Peterbilt 379 with a Cummins ISX. With that
diagram, the following information is available:
Battery +12V (ECM Supply (+)) is pin 4 on the 4 pin plug.
Ground (ECM Supply Return) is pin 1 on the 4 pin plug.
J1939 (H) DATA LINK is a yellow wire on pin 46.
J1939 (L) DATA LINK is a green wire on pin 47.
The schematic says the connector has details described by the 8
surrounded by a triangle. This gives a complete description of the
connector.

The other piece of information needed is the circuit for the ignition key
switch circuit because the key needs to be on for communications.The
Ignition Key Switch is pin 39 and normally uses a red wire.

Confirm Wiring Diagram

Another source of information is always beneficial. To confirm the wiring

information, pull up the Cummins Insite Fault Information System:

.
Expand the tabs to find circuit diagrams. Below is a circuit that shows
the pins for the J1939 connection. Sure enough, the J1939 connection is
on pins 46 and 47.

The power connection diagram is shown below with Pin 1 being on the
upper right of the 4-pin connector of the ECM when reading the label on
the ECM.

The key switch circuit is not available in the Fault Information System
under this tree. However, a similar module, the CM870 for an ISM
engine, has the information. Looking at the 870 module for an ISM, a
diagram containing the key switch circuit confirms pin 39 is for the key
switch.

With two sources of information, we can confidently connect the wires to

the correct pins. To summarize, we need the following 5 connections:
+12 V: Pin 4
Ground: Pin 1
J1939 (H): Pin 46
J1939 (L): Pin 47
Key switch: Pin 39

Connecting the Module to the Computer

The quality of the mechanical connections are important when
connecting the ECM to the computer. The OEM connectors are the best,
since they make use of the keys, screws, and insulating blocks. Aside
from that, the next best thing is to use female sockets that are sized for
the proper pin. Furthermore, the socket should be have heat shrink
tubing around the outside to prevent accidental shorting. A photo of a
socket connected to a banana plug is shown below. The sockets are the

from a female computer serial connector that you can buy at Radio
Shack.

The power connectors use a size 12 socket and are connected to the
module at the 4 pin power connector as shown below. The 12 gauge
sockets are Digi-key part number 889-1057-ND.

The pin connectors need to be connected to the module at the correct

pins as determined by looking at circuit diagrams. All numbers refer to
the OEM harness. An example is shown below. Note the marking "04" on
the ECM matches the schematic drawing of the connector. Pin 1 is the
upper left and pin 50 is the lower right with the numbers increasing in
rows going from left to right. This numbering scheme is opposite from
the 4-pin power connector.

All pin connectors terminate to a banana plug for easy hookup. An

interface adapter is a very useful tool for this project. Click on the image
of the interface tool below to see part numbers if you desire to make

your own. The 120 ohm J1939 terminating resistors are attached to the
breakout box as well.

External power is required to supply power to the module and the DPA5
connector. The overall setup is shown below where the computer
connects to the DPA5, the DPA5 connects to the Breakout Box through
the J1939 9-pin adapter, the breakout box connects to the module and
to the power supply (a battery in this case).

It is recommended to apply battery power first to energize the ECM.

Then connect the key switch circuit to wake up the ECM. Always be sure
to use a fused link when applying power. A cigarette lighter adapter
often has a fuse in the barrel of the connector. AC/DC converters will
often limit current to safe levels by design.
Powerspec and Insite can be used to access the data stored on one of
these modules. Be aware that fault codes may be set because normal
sensors and signals are not present.

Written By Jeremy Daily, Department of Mechanical Engineering at the

University of Tulsa. The content on this page has not been peer reviewed
and is not suitable for supporting litigation. Support for the content on
this website comes from consortium members. Also, this project was
supported by Award No. 2010-DN-BX-K215 awarded by the National
Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of
Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations
expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and do not
necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice.